Air Fryer Carrots: Whole Or Chopped?

Air fryer carrots are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They are simple to make and can be cooked in under 15 minutes. There are a variety of ways to season and flavour carrots in an air fryer, including honey-glazed, roasted, parmesan garlic, and sweet or savoury. Carrots can be sliced into sticks or chunks and cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. They are a versatile vegetable that can be paired with many different types of dishes.

How long to cook whole carrots in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook whole carrots in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

• Wash and peel the carrots. Leaving the peel on is fine, but it may give the carrots a slightly bitter taste.
• Chop the carrots into 1-inch pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Transfer the carrots to the air fryer basket and arrange them in a single layer.
• Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The carrots are done when they are tender but still slightly firm.
• Once done, top with parsley and parmesan cheese (optional).

Tips:

• The size of your carrots will determine the cooking time. Smaller carrots will cook faster, while larger carrots will take longer.
• Check on your carrots halfway through cooking to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• If using frozen carrots, add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• You can also cook baby carrots in the air fryer, but reduce the cooking time to 5 to 7 minutes.

What temperature to cook whole carrots in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook whole carrots in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to do it:

How to Cook Whole Carrots in an Air Fryer:

First, wash and peel your carrots. You can leave the peel on if you prefer, but some people find that the peel gives the carrots a slightly bitter taste. If you are peeling the carrots, use a vegetable peeler so you don't peel off too much of the carrot.

Next, chop the carrots into 1-inch chunks and place them in a large bowl. You can also slice the carrots diagonally if you prefer.

Then, add your chosen seasonings and/or sauces to the bowl of carrots. For example, you could use olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for a simple herb seasoning. Alternatively, you could make a honey glaze by tossing the carrots with honey, minced garlic, melted butter, cinnamon, and ground ginger.

Now, transfer the carrots to the air fryer basket. If you are making a glaze or using a sticky sauce, it is recommended to place the carrots in an oven-safe bowl inside the air fryer basket to prevent the sauce from dripping off.

Set the temperature to between 350-380°F (180-190°C) and cook for 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your carrots and your desired texture. For a more tender texture, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storing and Reheating:

You can store leftover air fryer carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 9 months.

To reheat, place the carrots in the air fryer basket and heat at 350-400°F for 2-7 minutes, until warmed through.

How to season whole carrots in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook whole carrots in an air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season them:

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parsley
• Parmesan cheese

Method:

• Wash and peel your carrots.
• Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil over the carrots and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or onion powder.
• Toss the carrots until they are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings.
• Place the seasoned carrots into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the carrots for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• For a more tender texture, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Once done, remove the carrots from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• Always dry the carrots completely after rinsing to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Cut the carrots into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• You can also make air fryer carrot fries by chopping the carrots into thin sticks.
• For a sweet version, toss the carrots in melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon before air frying.

Can you cook other vegetables in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook other vegetables in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook veggies, and they come out perfectly tender with a nice bite and a little charred. You can roast any vegetable you like, including bell peppers, onions, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and asparagus.

To cook vegetables in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. While that’s warming up, add your choice of vegetables to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and your choice of dry spices and seasonings. Toss to coat well.

Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket insert with some nonstick cooking spray and add the vegetables. Cook for 8 to 15 minutes, or until tender, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

You can season your air-fried veggies with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to store leftover air-fried carrots?

To store leftover air-fried carrots, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the carrots in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw them, simply leave them in the fridge overnight and reheat them the next day.

Frequently asked questions